2013 Hyundai Sonata – Facelift or New Car?

Hyundai have upgraded their flagship saloon, the Sonata, with a more powerful 2,4 GDI engine as well as a few styling upgrades.

While Hyundai are calling the vehicle you see in the images above the sixth-generation Sonata, and at first glance it does look a lot like the outgoing model. The new Sonata – we’ll call it new for now – features redesigned headlamps (now with LED lighting) and a revised front grill. the wheels have been redesigned as well as the side skirts, side mirrors and centre-console. Hyundai say that there are no new body panels, which begs the question; is this a new generation of Sonata, or a mid-life facelift?

Engine Revised

The primary changes between the fifth generation and the new car are under the skin. The 2,4l GDi (Gas Direct Injection) engine has been tuned and remapped to produce 148kW, up from the 131kW from the old car and the 6-Speed automatic transmission remains unchanged. The gearbox can be operated in full automatic or via manual paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Safety First

Pushed as a primary selling point on the Sonata is the level of safety and luxury equipment fitted as standard. The Sonata achieved a 5-Star rating the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme, a programme modelled off the highly coveted Euro-NCAP ratings. On this the Sonata scored 33,53/37.

To help keep occupants safe, the Sonata comes equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability programme, a Brake Assist System and Electronic Brake Distribution to maintain control and protect occupants in the case of a collision.

Equipment

Priced at R379 900, the Sonata comes equipped standard with items like a three-piece electric sunroof, an extra which adds between R45 000 and R70 000 extra to the list price of its German rivals. Other equipment equipped as standard includes Bluetooth, USB, and iPod connectivity, satellite controls, cruise control and park assist as well as all the above mentioned safety features.

Genesis On the Way

Hyundai Genesis due here in 2014 (Genesis R-Line 5.0 pictured)

With the Sonata positioned as Hyundai’s rival to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, Hyundai South Africa have seen a gap to introduce the Genesis which won US Car of the Year in 2012 to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Genesis is expected to arrive in early 2014.

Price

Engine

Fuel Supply

Power

Torque

Gears

Trans

0-100

Max Speed

Fuel Consup

CO2

Sonata 2,4 GDI Eiite

379900

4/2359

P

148/6300

250/4250

6/F

A

9

210

7,9

188

The Sonata comes with a five-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty; 5 years or 150 000 km Roadside Assistance and a five-year/90 000 km service plan.

Would you choose a Sonata over the more established German rivals or the Honda Accord? Thoughts in the comments.